Diagnostics:

Obtaining an ascitic fluid sample is critical in making the diagnosis

Serum blood tests (i.e. WBC, CRP, ESR) are not helpful in making this diagnosis

Due to variable presentations and considerable mortality associated with SBP, consideration should be made to perform paracentesis on ALL patients with ascitic fluid who are being admitted (Gaetano 2016)

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We have two albumin concentrations in my hospital, 25% and 5%. I’ve only used the 25% concentration with the 1.5 mg/kg on Day 1 as above while my patient is waiting to get admitted. I’ve read through some SBP FOAM posts and they never mention the concentration of albumin to use. Is this because it is considered “common knowledge” to only use the 25% concentration? Are other concentrations available and when would we use them?

Hi there David,
You are correct there are 5% and 25% concentrations. As a general rule, 5% is intended to restore plasma volume (resuscitation) while the 25% will raise oncotic pressure (decrease renal failure). Hope this helps.